Stephen King Reveals His Top Five Stephen King Stories
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- Опубліковано 9 сер 2021
- Which of Stephen King's stories are his personal favorites? The legendary author, whose latest book "Billy Summers" is out now, drops by the Ed Sullivan Theater and reveals his picks to Stephen Colbert. #Colbert #StephenKing #BillySummers
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One of my comforts in life is knowing that there will always be more Stephen King stories I haven't read.
I wish I felt as sure as you but I have already read every book he has written. I hope that Stephen King keep writing books and that he will live to a great old age. So many of my favourite authors have died in the last few years and I miss them and their brilliant stories so much.
@@Nonesovile96 I have read all Stephen King's books, fiction and non-fiction and the "Richard Bachman" books and all his collections of short stories and novellas. I currently own 75 of his books, I used to have more of them but some of them have been stolen over the years, "borrowed" by people and never returned. There probably are short stories of his that haven't made it into collections and those I might not have read. My chances of ever laying my hands on those would be slim so I won't have the comfort of knowing that I will always have more Stephen King stories to read.
Yes! God bless this wonderful man
Right, churning out Novels, not short novellas but full blown epic novels, is truly a magnificent talent of the man, I admire his work so much.
@@erikaeriksson9840 what are your all time top 3?
Stephen King: "I like Misery - the _novel_ Misery-"
I like that he had to clarify that part, but I would have believed him either way.
Can you explain what he meant? I'm not familiar with that book
@@hyper7098 He doesnt like the movie
@@gustavogoncalves3545 he just named a short story as his first, so clarified the Misery was a novel, not short story. That's how i took it, whateve else he has said at other times.
@@gustavogoncalves3545 He has stated in multiple interviews that he loves the movie. It is actually one of his favorites.
@@hyper7098 I think he meant to say he doesen't like misery as in distress in general but his novel instead (of course it's rlyy worth the read)
What has always fascinated me about King is how almost every fan has a different favorite book. It really shows he has such a deep understanding of literature and talent in story telling.
"NIGHT IN ZAGREB" by ADAM MEDVIDOVIĆ is Stephen Kings latest pen name fo a series that he is doing, and the first part from the series is already out. That is already his postmortem gift to readers because its supposed to be revealed after he dies. This is info from close people to him, so thats the new read we have......................................................................................................................,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
My top three fav Stephen King books are
3. Firestarter
2. Cujo
1. The Stand
3. The Running Man
2. Misery
1. The Long Walk
“Rose Madder” will forever be my #1. It has the most realistic, horrifying antagonist I have ever experienced in literature or film.
@@bucuptterwoman7170
1) pet cemetary
2) the shining
3) salems lot?
is cujo worth a read? Ive just got a dog so thought it might be worth a punt
I hope this man lives to be 150 and continues writing for the rest of his life. I'm so thankful for his works. His novels and stories have made me feel stronger emotions than I'd have thought possible, for an adult man, reading fiction. His books captivate me like no other medium. I can barely watch TV anymore. Mr. King exposed me to the sheer joy of reading, and I'll always be grateful.
Amen brother!
I'm surprised so many people are cool with that scene in the IT novel where he wrote the kids having a LITERAL ORGY to stop the clown. This is what inspires you?
@@thomasmcintosh2977 To be fair, that was in the prime of King’s cocaine abuse. Large portions of stories he wrote in that period King simply doesn’t remember, including the entirety of the book Cujo
@@alexanderthegreat1270 that's not fair, that's just a lame excuse. If he doesn't remember writing such disgusting content, why tf didn't he erase or revise that part of the story or at the very least apologize for it once he got sober? Typically drugs and alcohol brings out the truth in people. Reveals what they hide behind sobriety. So you can shove that lame excuse where the sun don't shine. There is no excuse under the sun that justifies the s3xualization of children even if they're fictionalized.
@@thomasmcintosh2977 you're weirdly obsessed, dude. Wondering if you might be projecting lol I'm going to assume you've never actually read the book. The scene in question sounds scandalous out of context, but flows right along with the narrative in the novel itself. It works perfectly in tandem with the future as the events of the past and present close the circle in the story. It's a coming of age, closing the loop, living in past and present at once type of moment. Also there have always been real kids that DO have sex as young as 11 or 12. It's nowhere near as salacious as your weird ass is making it out to be.
If you’re ever sad just remember that in the billions of years this earth has existed you somehow managed to live in the same time as Stephen King.
R.R Martin, J.K Rowling
true
@@itsmemax23 Stephen Only
that's so funny you say that because i have that exact thought all the time.
For me it's Ariana Grande, but each to his own.
Stephen King will definitely stand tall among the greats of literature even centuries from now.
The Stand
11.22.63
Needful Things
IT
Pet Semetary
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My faves. Slowly making my way through (have read about 20). Am on Mr Mercedes now. Loving life.
If he could right an ending he would be
He is already.
Yeah, but not everything he did is good- that Tommyknockers drek put me off Stephen King for many years.
@@barbarahecht4617 Well, it was after he quit cocaine so it's understandable.
11/22/63, The Stand, The Dark Tower Series. Literary masterpieces. Love this man.
Correct‼️😀
You say true, I say thankya
@@freeman7079 Big True thankee sai
“Salem’s Lot” is still my favorite. But, man, he’s written a lot of really entertaining books and stories.
I second that
Always my favorite, followed by The Stand
The Shining and Hearts in Atlantis are my top 2.
But so many of his novels are EPIC!
It, The Stand, Pet Sematary, Insomnia... Just to name a few.
Poe laid out the frame work, and King built on it.
Both genius guys with unique minds.
"NIGHT IN ZAGREB" by ADAM MEDVIDOVIĆ is Stephen Kings latest pen name. That is already his postmortem gift to readers because its supposed to be revealed after he dies. This is info from close people to him, so thats the new read we have.
That book was my first introduction to King. It should be anyone’s in my opinion.
My favorite book by Stephen King was, for many years, “Needful things”. A couple months ago I read “Misery” and now they share the throne :) But now after reading so many comments about it, I feel like I HAVE TO read “The Stand”!
OMG, Yes, you definitely do. Tho it is a bit to “reality” for comfort nowadays.
Please do, you won't regret it, but be warned, it is a big investment. I'd go as far to say it's my fav book of all time.
Oh, Yes, "The Stand", DEFINATELY! I read it for the time during the first Covid-19 lockdown last year... BIG MISTAKE!!!
The Dark Tower series is pretty great, too.
I've tried for years to get through Needful Things. Still haven't finished it.
He is arguably one of the greatest living short story writers. The Body, Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption, and Children of The Corn to name a few.
And Apt Pupil
The Night Flyer
I didn’t know, he is the author of Children of the corn.
Lies again? Balls Of Steel Stephen King
1922
I love his voice. The audiobooks he reads himself are a treat.
Misery was incredibly well written. Probably my favorite Stephen King book.
He inner-mixed this story with "secret-window." TRUE story. Some of it anyways.
You're a well
It's my favorite. The intensity and stress and horror I felt when Paul Sheldon was out of his room while Annie was out of the house. And then him trying to get back into his room in his wheelchair as she arrived home. So, much terror. I hated the movie because the book was so good. But then again, there is no movie made of his books that has ever come close to the intensity of the book and his writing.
The best story I've read by him is "The body". It's has a small horror part at the end but it's just a story about being a kid really. Wonderful book!
Great movie too!
Same.
Same the shinnings up there too
Yes ☝️ agree, that short story inspired a movie
Stand by me!!!!
“The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed."
You just sent some chills down my spine
yeah my mom never finished the books I asked her one day if she ever will .. she said no ..and i said well i will give you a hint .. read the first line of the book again heh..
Yeah that is a grabber. I reread the stand every year and I finished it last in February of 2020. I have yet to read it in 2021.....
That is my absolute favorite series of books. Second favorite is the Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. Those are geared toward young adult readers, but they are great too.
"The clock had gone red."
This guy's creative & imaginative output over the years is simply inspiring. Some people were just born to be a writer. What an absolute LEGEND.
Reading my first King novel right now, the Green Mile. I'm honestly STUNNED by it, so incredibly written 😳😭
i’m just about to start it, can’t wait❤
When I started reading The Green Mile (for the first time) I became so immersed in it that I didn't stop reading until I was done. When I looked up, dawn had broken around me!
I love King!! But have avoided that one. I know it's amazing but I've seen the movie and am scared to go down that road again.
My fave is "The Shining." The novel is so much better than the movie.
@@kathrynmceachern9503 I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation.
How did you like it? I just finished Fairy Tale.
The Stand was so important to me. It showed a young kid who was wishy washy on reading for pleasure that I could read 1000 page book in a week. Gave me the juice to read other works of great size.
I put 700 pages of it down in 2 weeks and got so burnt out it took months before I could even think about picking it up. It’s my personal favorite by him, but god is it hard to get through.
I read IT In one week I was proud 😂
@@bobbyhextall9334 You should be proud ! And it shows you have good reading comprehension to be so absorbed....keep up the reading ! suggestion: read King's The Long Walk...it is one of his shorter ones and it is really good
That makes me happy to hear...the Stand affected me, as well...Hi from Canada
@@raintree3383 cheers 😂 Stephen kings literally my favourite author. Reading skeleton crew right now. And about to long walk it was actually the first Stephen king book I ever had but it’s one of the Ones I still haven’t read.
Did anyone read “the long walk”? That story sticks with me.
If your good you'll get an enema 🤣
Oh God, Garretty!
Damn straight. That one was awesome. Pretty sure its where the hunger games came from.
@@obviouscaptain2931 SK .. inspiring fans and writers alike.
One of my favourite stories.
I think Stephen King would probably be a fan of the works of Stephen King.
"NIGHT IN ZAGREB" by ADAM MEDVIDOVIĆ is Stephen Kings latest pen name. That is already his postmortem gift to readers because its supposed to be revealed after he dies. This is info from close people to him, so thats the new read we have.
What are you doing here, Red hood😟
😂
A novella by Stephen King that doesn't get mentioned very often that I really enjoyed was the girl who loved Tom Gordon. Just the first few pages had me so intrigued and invested in the story.
I agree. I love that book.
I love that book so much
"NIGHT IN ZAGREB" by ADAM MEDVIDOVIĆ is Stephen Kings latest pen name. That is already his postmortem gift to readers because its supposed to be revealed after he dies. This is info from close people to him, so thats the new read we have.
She gets lost in the woods with music but gets found thank god
My first ever Stephen king book and forever my favorite!!!
Don’t forget people, this man didn’t just do horror. This is also the man who wrote the short stories, The Green Mile, and Shawshank Redemption.
Hello there, I can see you love reading books .. I do love reading books as well. I will be looking forward to get a message from you🌹🌹
The Green Mile wasn't a short story. It was published as a Serial Novel.
While known as a horror writer, its kind of funny that Stand By Me, The Green Mile, and Shawshank Redemption are probably the 3 best movie adaptations of his books and also happen to be 3 of the best movies of all time.
@@JasonHebert eh, I think that is more so due to frank darabont and rob reiner helming the directing work on those films, without them i dont know if the films would have been nearly as good...also Darabont also did the Mist, another really good King adaptation.
@@JasonHebert Non-Horror movies have the special ability to speak to everyone and not just horror fans.
Especially the three film you mentioned. They have universal stories about being a human, so they resonate with many people. Also, they had very talented directors/actors to make them feel even more grounded in reality.
About 20 years ago, I was talking books with someone and was told, I needed to read The Stand. I am/was a huge reader, but never Stephen King books. I went to the book store and when I saw the book, I had a lot of doubts about reading it, let alone finishing it. Oh my gosh, it was the best book I have ever read!!! I never wanted to finish it.
"You ain't no nice guy!" I read it twice over the years.
Try picking up The Dome or 11/22/63! Those are gigantic! I’ve read them all and like a little kid, wished for more when they were over!
M-O-O-N that spells The Stand is a great book!
The Stand came out in 1978 and I read the whole book to my 8 year old son and used different voices and all. It was a memory we both will not forget. He insisted that I read more every night and I did. He loved it as well as I did and now he's 50 years old and this continues to be one of my best memories with him.💕
@Michael Kelligan I read those also, but my favorites are still The Stand and add in The Green Mile. I gotta admit, I didn't know there was a movie made.
Lisey's Story was a beautiful novel. So stunning, so stunning... It has to be one of my favorite novels of all time. I recommend getting the audio book.
I remember reading The Mist back in the early 80’s and thinking it was one of the scariest stories I ever read. I was glad that they finally made it into a movie. I think the movie actually had a better ending than the book. The Stand and IT are my favorite novels.
Yikes! The movie ending was a despairing thing. l've never heard anyone say they liked the end. l liked King's ending where we get to decide what happened next.
I liked the ending of the movie better because it was an actual ending in the movie and not left ambiguous, as to what happened to them. I do agree that the ending in the movie was depressing, but for effect, I left the theater feeling …despair. I could feel the hopelessness and despair of the protagonists, and that’s why I feel like it was a better ending. Maybe King thought this kind of an ending would be too bleak and chose to give the protagonists some hope for the future. King himself actually stated that he “loved” the new ending in the movie.
Nah ambiguous just felt so right, he didn't know what was out there and they were going to try a find survivors. It felt like Half-life.
The super depressing suicide ending
just isn't good for anything but shock value and the convenient army timing is bs.
Is my favourite have seen the film and read it a few times
@@TraceyMush even Stephen King himself stated he liked the film’s ending better than his own.
"When you don't know what to do next, bring on the man with the gun"
That's a great writer's quote.
I was living in Boulder at the time, working at the bank on the Pearl St. Mall. I'd watch Stephen hanging out on one of the benches writing. It was awesome and, to me, it is still his greatest novel!
You don't say which novel. 🤷
@@honorsilverthorne7227 The Stand I knew many of the places he plotted the story at/from.
I read The Stand for the first time last year and thoroughly enjoyed it and even became sort of infatuated with Boulder, for a while. I cannot praise that ending though, everything seemed very out of left field for me.
Read it and loved it many. Many years ago.
Now listening to it on Audible. It's 48 hrs long!
Interesting, I always wondered how it’s to live so many years at that elevation 🤔
I grew up reading many of Stephen kings books since my mom was/is a HUGE fan of him. My top 5 books are:
1) Firestarter (honestly one of my all time favorites books PERIOD)
2) The Mist
3) The Stand
4) The Gunslinger (vol 1 of the dark tower series)
5) Duma Key
And an honorable mention goes to Children of the Corn
Loved Fire Starter and Duma Key! Really didn't like any Dark Tower stuff. Good list!
I really like it, the best book I’ve ever read
For some reasons, "Lucky Quater" is came up with my mind when I asked what's my favorite Stephen King's story...then I think of "The Last Rung on the Ladder". I read dozens of his novels, translated version only by the way, but I always like his short stories over novels (except a couple of my favorites). I also like "Nona", "Willa", "Jerusalem's Lot" and best of the best is always "Mrs. Todd's Shortcut".
Misery, Shining?
What about a bazaar of bad dreams. Ever read it?.
The Jaunt was his best story. “LONGER THAN YOU THINK DAD!”
IT, the shining and 11/22/63 were his best books.
It still haunts me
King is a remarkable writer. He’s given so much to so many people. I shout out to Billy Martin
Nothing was more impactful to me than "NEEDFUL THINGS".
The whole take on mankind's willingness to do anything for physical possessions is just the scariest thing I can think of.
And commentary on how many people hate and distrust their neighbors.
That was a great one!
Yes, I read "Needful Things" on my honeymoon. We were on a cruise. LOL I know it was not a romantic book, but what the heck we are still married.
@jake canebrake Well, my husband does not swim. So when he was skeet shooting, rock climbing and touring the inter workings of the ship; I was at the pool swimming, drinking and reading. Not like we were virgins. :)
I just recently read needful things. It was a terrific read, the movie wasn't a good adaptation, so I had never read the book, but it was surprisingly excellent. Certainly one of king's creepiest best stories he ever wrote. It doesn't get recognized like dead zone or carrie or others, but it's terrific. That's one book that you feel like staying up all night, because you just can't stop reading it.
I've loved him since I was 19 and I'm 60 now. My first book was Salem's Lot. I started reading it on the train journey to work from Rayleigh to London and when I got to London I thought "fuck it", stayed on the train and read it all the way home again. Literally read it til it was done. I hated that job...
Reading is an escape from life. I’ve always loved books. I noticed my favorite movies were all written by him. As an adult, reading has become a chore. I am also afraid I will stay up all night like how I used to 😂 I remember my stepdad getting mad at me for reading all the time I felt like Matilda in my family.
Dolores Claiborne was an amazing novel. One of my favorites and the film is in my top 10 movies of all time. Can't go wrong with Kathy Bates.
The audiobook is great
Crazy her first role was Miseray and she only did Broadway before that film.
I don't usually read fiction, but when I do, it is mostly Stephen King. His mind is a treasure trove, and I am never disappointed by the journey he takes me on with his stories. I remember reading "Survivor Type" decades ago. How could anyone forget, "ladyfingers they taste just like ladyfingers"? Grisly, indeed. I am still disappointed that "Rita Haywortth and the Shawshank Redemption" novella wasn't on the shortlist. Seriously, who did not love the movie?
I have read a few of his books (Salems Lot is currently on my nightstand) but Apt Pupil genuinely disturbed me. I read it while on my break in our dingy locker room but I felt so cold and queasy by the end.
Oh God yes, the "ladyfingers" line - that'll stick with me forever! But as much as the geeky teen in me still loves the gruesomeness of "Survivor Type," I'm shocked that Uncle Steve himself ranks it as number one. I guess it's the brilliance of the concept. And yeah, *of course* that line!
I noticed the absence of "Shawshank," but I know King loved the movie adaptation; perhaps he simply thinks the book wasn't on that level.
@@RedBear535 'Salem's Lot is fantastic. Hope you enjoyed it. I just went through it on audiobook recently and it really holds up.
That movie was incredible. Before I even read King, it was one of my favorite all time movies. Now I've read about 45 of his books and never get tired of his tales.
Wouldn't it be somethin' to have such a rich catalog of titles to chose from that your top five doesn't even include The Green Mile or The Shining?!
*The Green Mile* is certainly a landmark title for me because up until that point I'd only read comic books as serial titles, & those only occasionally. The wait for the next month's "issue" to come out was unbearable in a way I wouldn't experience again until 10, 15 years later when I started reading new Avengers comics 😆
It was quite an experience as a reader, that's for sure, & it certainly made me appreciate monthly releases being collected into a single book even more, too.
@@Matthew.E.Kelly. That really made me mad at Stephen King. It was just fine for him, he already knew the story. I was out here like a junkie waiting for the next fix.
Yes! I think all of his novels have been on the best seller list. It’s just amazing how he churns out excellent content every year. The Shining is my second favorite after IT.
Or Shawshank Redemption?
@@amazingsupergirl7125 "IT" still scares me 30 years later. I mistakenly read the book during the summer in which I was 12 yrs old - without telling my mother. I still have nightmares from having read it; am terrified of clowns; and get goosebumps whenever I see yellow raincoats. 😳
I've read every book, novelette & short story Sai King has ever had published. I am but one of his legion of Constant Readers. The man is a prolific genius and a great humanitarian. The world would be a much poorer place without him in it. 📖📚💗
what were ur favs
I’d like to know too. I’m a ‘casual’ SK fan and have read The Shining, Stand etc. I’d love to have an expert reco for lesser known gems. Thanks in advance!
Be on the lookout for MY book, "Aisles of Madness," an absolute mind bogling journey into the depths of hell, due out NEXT Summer.
@@glennmason6982 Just like the OP said, I think I've read everything he's ever published. If you haven't already, please give "Carrie" a shot. Also I would recommend "Under the dome" - one of his somewhat recent (after his drug-addiction years ) novels. I passionately hate the ending, but the journey itself is just...awesome doesn't even begin to describe it. The man is a master in both psychology and sociology.
You might dig our series!
I admire this man so much. The dedication level he has is so insane.
" The shining " and " It " were two of my favorite books ever.
Same!!!
Me too. I love a lot of King’s books, but my number one is IT, followed very closely by The Shining at two.
I tried reading It but got bored with it. One of the few books I have ever started without finishing.
@@holliswilliams8426 I was bored in the beginning too...But once you relate tô those kids you start to enjoy their lifestyle and day by day narrative
"NIGHT IN ZAGREB" by ADAM MEDVIDOVIĆ is Stephen Kings latest pen name fo a series that he is doing, and the first part from the series is already out. That is already his postmortem gift to readers because its supposed to be revealed after he dies. This is info from close people to him, so thats the new read we have.
To me “The Stand” is his epic and my personal favorite. “Salem’s Lot” followed by “It” the scariest. “The Shining” and “Night Shift”
For me the movie version of Salem's lot, with David Soul, is my favourite King adaptation and still one of the most frightening horror movies ever: the vampire child, scratching at the upper storey window still chills me.
The Shining didn’t work for me, although I completely get why people love it. My personal favourite would be Cujo followed by Different Seasons (all four novellas) and Wizard and Glass. Though I still have around half of his left to read.
Read the dark tower series. It’s an absolute masterpiece and shares some characters
@@AlexS-ei7kp The Dark Tower series is his magnum opus and ties most of his books into a multi-verse.
The Dark Tower series were his absolute best works.
Thank you, Stephen Colbert, for your interviews of Stephen King. I loved books from an early age and King's work was the stuff I just couldn't put down. I'm an '85 child so before internet I would use a little dictionary to stop and look up words I didn't know. I could mow through a book in a day, and I credit him for some of my smarts and vocabulary. Fast forward I found out he's from Maine and I went to the same University where he got his writing start and I now work at the hospital he was born in. Maine is a small town and I'm grateful to him and proud thats he's one of our treasures.
This is a perfect moment between showmanship and an authentic author
Stephen King wrote a short story called "10 O'clock People", in around early ninety's sometime. That somehow got me to quit smoking. Thank you Stephen King!!!
Not 'Quitters Inc.'? ;)
Is that the one where you have to quit smoking and lose weight or else your wife loses a finger? (It’s been a long time since I read it so maybe I’m not quite accurate). That is a favorite and one I often think about.
@@nancy3848 Yup. That's the one.
I think I still smoke because of the 10 O’Clock People. I need to know who’s real and who’s not.
@@guibox3 that's the title of the episode in the movie anthology "Cat's Eye" (1985), isn't it? 🙂
Same story, I think.
"Different Seasons" - "The Body" is the short story which stands out from the collection. As great as the film "Stand by Me" is, the original source material is outstanding.
The Body is in my top five too. Stand by Me is definitely one of the best film adaptations of his work, in my opinion.
@@ascent8487 You have really good taste Ascent! Isn't it great? I love the film adaptation too - it's really interesting to note the changes the film made to the story.
Yes! Although I agree that "The Body" is the best of the 4 novellas in that book (and I loved "Stand By Me") the story "Apt Pupil" was haunting. I never saw the movie. "Shawshank" is one of my all time favorite films, also taken from the same collection.
@@lottasunshine1325 Totally agree with you. "Shawshank" is one of King's best works and again another fine film adaptation. I think you're right, "Apt Pupil" was also made into a film but didn't have as much success at the box office as the others.
Learned something new, thanks!
I'm in awe of watching Stephen King in interviews, knowing that he's the person that created so many characters that I've loved. Currently reading Fairytale and absolutely loving the character Charlie Reade
I read "The Stand" when I was 19. I'm now 52, and that book still sticks in my mind.
I love "The Shining." One of my favorite horror stories. "11.22.63" is an epic read and one of the fewest books that have made me cry at the end. Stephen King is one of the best modern authors ever!
I really felt an emotional warmth with 11.22.63. And yes, the ending got me as well!
@@selenaevangeline hulu made a show from 11.22.63
@@sidewalksurfer96 - Yes, I have it on my "to watch" list. 😀
Omgosh I was looking for this! I got 11.22.63 recently bc I loved the mini series in hulu so much. I was hoping this was a good choice bc omgosh that book is huge and I also I don't really buy books.
Be on the lookout for MY book, "Aisles of Madness," due out NEXT Summer. An absolutely TERRIFYING journey into the bowels of hell ... and back.
The Dead Zone is so good and a bit underrated… Duma Key too
Duma Key doesn't get enough love
Man I just couldn’t love fun’s key. It is so slow and kinda boring. It hurts to say that because king is my favorite author but damn.
Hated both Duma and Bag of Bones.Mr Mercedes was better
Duma Key was good but the ending reveal was kind of meh
so agree with you with Duma Key, no one ever notice this one, I hope there will be a movie or a serie on this book one day!
Stephen King has been like our Queen, a constant in my life. I've not read all his stuff but want to. I'm actually now listening to the audio book of The Stand and watching the 90s miniseries of it. A true masterpiece from a truly amazing mind.
Queen? the old dead broad? Prince Andy's ma?
Or the excellent band?
The Institute was imo the best he's written in years and the best thing l've read in years. Loved it! He writes childrens' characters very well - Carrie, Firestarter, The Body, It...
I love Stephen king, my world would be have been so much duller without him
"They taste just like lady fingers..." This one really stuck with me. Dolores Claiborne and Cujo were like soap operas. I got so invested in the characters that I couldn't put the books down. King writes like he's talking to a neighbor while they're both sipping cold beers. Pet Semetary gave me nightmares. So good.
Ditto about Pet Sematary. It was the first book i read of Stephen King. After that i too got hooked. Misery is also one of my favs!! An amazing writer. (Dean Koontz is also a top notch writer)
I loved reading Cujo
I read ''Pet Sematery'' and ''Cujo'' as a young teen but not sure the writing would hold up if I tried to read them now.
Love love love Dolores Claiborne.
+1 for Pet Semetary, such a good book!
I LOVE THIS MAN !! I just started reading king only 6 months ago, read two of his thickest books (the stand & 11/22/63) loved them both !! Idk what his writings are laced with, but they're easily addicting !!
Woo! Good interview! We love ya, Steve! And you too, Colbert! 🎉
Stephen King is a real inspiration, he deserves the love for his wonderful work over the years. I really appreciate his talent that he had shared to the world in his inspiring stories
The stand was my favorite. Gave me a lasting love of reading.
My #1 author hands down. So many of his works have really stayed with me over the years. His short stories and novellas are just top notch
So humble..great writer..love his books
One of my favorite authors of all time since forever, I will always be thankful for his genius. Thank you Mr King. 😊
I rate "The Stand" up there among the great American novels. He's not the artist that Faulkner or McCarthy were/are, but he's a superior storyteller.
One of my favorites. Along with short story…SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
the Stand got me started on a long journey through life with King, not his first, Carrie, that movie was already everywhere so i did,nt have to read it, but maybe i should one of these days~
The Stand is the best ever.
@@jenniferayling275 I agree. 'The Stand' was miraculously in my bedroom (left by a relative) while I was bedridden as a 12 year old with very bad flu (kinda felt a little too close to home :) ). I have read every single book of his that I can find.
I spent a week in high school reading the stand , could not wait to get home to read it. Was disappointed in the movie/series when it came out i always pictured Robert Duvall as Randall flag
The Stand (unabridged) was a book that help turn me into a lifelong reader. I didn't have a lot of social problems in school, but I was isolated for a few months of the beginning of my freshman year at a new high school. The Stand was what I did at night for a few weeks. Thank goodness there weren't apps and smartphones in 1994, or I might have wasted that time.
I guess at this point, I've read 80% or so of what he has published. I'm going through the Dark Tower series now and my appreciation is growing.
I remember the 1st time watching Stand By Me was with my whole 8th grade class...one of the best films I've ever seen & a incredible Stephen King story 🔥🔥🔥🔥
One of my favorites is the Four Past Midnight Story, The Langoliers. That is one seriously trippy story that just sucked me in.
Good tv movie too.
Yes! I love the Langoliers!
Loved the Sundog story from that book!
@@laurenbraden7317 Movie was shite.
Misery is also one of my favorites.
And King, you killed my favorite character with that bomb in The Stand, thanks for that!
Are you his #1 fan too? 😉😁
@@notme2day No 1 fan here! Would totally hold him captive for an extra volume of The dark tower! (But never hurt the master!)
@@reneetubeaddict9757 I also would hold him captive but more to get him to stop letting creative directors etc ruin "adapted to film" remakes of his books .. because that's why they bomb. LOL
Baby can you dig your man
@sk70091 He got that reaction from you. Mission accomplished ;)
Uh, this is a tough one. Shorts stories and Bachman included, I think my top 5 would have to be
1. Pet Semetery (truly the scariest thing I’ve ever read).
2. 11/22/63 (probably my favorite book/story of all time)
3. N. (love cosmic horror!)
4. Thinner (best audiobook ever).
5. Stationary Bike (really had me hooked).
So many, many great story's appeared in this man's head ... even greater is the fact that he owns the skills and the endurance to write it all down, year after year after year. Fenomenal!
Misery, my all time favorite. Even the movie was amazing 👏 😍 🙌
Thinner! One of the best stories 👏❤
Pet Sematary and The Shining are two of the best books I've ever read; Duma Key will always hold a special place in my heart too purely because it was my first
The Master of Horror himself showing he is just a man capable of being very friendly. His books are master pieces and a huge source of inspiration for my own stories.
Loved short story: "The Raft". Novels, one from early one from late. "The Dead Zone" and "11-22-63". They're almost counterpoints in a way I'm almost certain wasn't intended. Both the main characters were teachers with knowledge of the future. Both dealt with an assassination, one trying to prevent it, the other moved to perform it himself.
I’m taking notes,!
11/22/63 is such a great book! I liked The Dead Zone a lot, too.
When I read "11/22/63," I did notice the parallels with "The Dead Zone." Both deal with the moral dilemma of having foreknowledge of future events and being willing to kill to stop them from occurring (the old "Would you kill Hitler as a baby?" question).
11-22-63 definitely up there as one of my favourites of SK's!
Yes 11/22/63 was a brilliant read!
Bag of Bones is one of my favorite books of all time.
This one was a true “haunting” book. Very well written and I found it different from the majority of his work.
Was thrilled he mentioned Survival Type! Read it dozens of times. Incredible short story. I love his novels but the short stories are his gems. Skeleton Crew is imo his best collection but they’re all great. Ballad of the flexible bullet, Word Processor of the Gods, The Raft, , and Survival Type. Manic Stories.
The creepshow adaptation is fantastic
Jonathan is there a specific book that contains these short stories that are your favorites? Are they spread out amongst different books?
@@morellsmn Skeleton Crew is the name of the book that collects these short stories. I love all of SKs short story collections but Skeleton Crew is my favorite.
@@JonathanLakeMD Thank you!
I grew up reading The Skeleton Crew, passed down from my big sister. Still have the copy, and still one of my favourite collection of short stories
I was surprised by his mention of "Surviror Type" but it's really excellent. I've read it a a couple of times many years ago but it's something that you remember for a very long time.
I thought he'd say The Dark Tower was the heaviest. It took over twenty years to find out what happened with Roland / The Gunslinger. It affected my world.
and he ended it so very BADLY. . . it's almost like he had a deadline and writers block in the same period...he went all over the place , explained nothing, and ended it without getting to the damn TOWER
so true. . .changed my LIFE
@@kantraxoikol6914 They definitely got to the tower. Did you not finish the book? The ending was supremely unsettling, but I can't imagine thinking it's just "bad and explains nothing."
That series started out so good. I loved the first few books!
No comment about the rest.
"NIGHT IN ZAGREB" by ADAM MEDVIDOVIĆ is Stephen Kings latest pen name fo a series that he is doing, and the first part from the series is already out. That is already his postmortem gift to readers because its supposed to be revealed after he dies. This is info from close people to him, so thats the new read we have..........................................
Can anyone read “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption” and NOT hear Morgan Freeman narrating it?
Agreed, love Morgan Freeman, but kind of funny, Red was Irish
Stephen himself touches on that very idea in the introduction to The Stand.
I have the audiobook, which is narrated by the late great Frank Muller. Besides the author himself, the absolute best reader of Stephen King's work.
LOL
Morgan Freeman is an iconic actor, one of the greatest today but yeah, he’s got a a very distinct and rich voice that makes him perfect to narrate. Hence why he’s gotten narration work too.
My favorite SK novel will always be The Talisman (co written with Peter Straub). Amazing, heartbreaking, triumphant, brutal -- just an all around great American novel about a kid on an odyssey to save his mother's life.
There was a reference to “The Talisman” in the latest season of “Stranger Things.” Once the memory of that book entered my mind in the context of the Stranger Things story, the similarities hit me like a ton of bricks…especially since the kid flipped back and forth between worlds.
Cujo was the first King book for me, found it in grade 8 and it took me 2-3 days to read it. I couldn't put it down and to this day I am still hooked on his story telling. My favorite book though is Christine followed closely by The Gunslinger series.
Surely I can't be the only here who loves "Cell"? I've read it several times and just keep getting more out of it each time.
"Hearts in Atlantis" by far is my fav King novel, followed by "Fire starter"
Hearts In Atlantis was much better than I expected.
Gawd yes. That one breaks me every time I read it.
I loved the book but the film was pointless and a huge disappointment.
That's my favorite too.
@@johngurlides9157 I had heard that so many times that I never bothered with the film.
I've read many books in my life, and nobody writes such memorable characters the way Stephen King does!
Long live the King!
The Stand is my favorite. Love you Stephen King, I loved Misery and Pet Cemetery, I love so many
My favourite is "Pet sematary", not only because it's the one I read in first, not because of its creepy and dramatic story but because of the bizarre circumstances surrounding this book. I was 13, and I was rummaging in my grandmother's cupboard and I find this book with its creepy and mysterious cover, I take it, I ask my grandmother: is it yours, she says no, so is it mom's job? But no, she replied! So it's Lorette's book (my cousin), again no!
Nobody could tell me where this book came from ...And it's still a mystery today.
And so began my story with Stephen king's books.
That's a really bizarre story! How fascinating.
@@JamieSuzanne. yes 🤓 Still wonder sometimes what happened..Sometimes you find a book and sometimes the book find you! 😉
The movie made out of the book is pure trash!
@@ramijkhan9038 The Mary Lambert movie is cool, but the remake 🤮
I got my start with Skeleton Crew, borrowed from my mom at some point when I was still in the single-digit ages. His short story anthologies are still favorites, because they leave a lot of room for you to carry on the story in your own head. I’m not a writer, but running a D&D game I’ve found some similar feelings come up as the story takes on a life of its own and ideas just show up seemingly from nowhere. Being a Stephen King reader has probably helped a great deal, because it developed my creative imagination in ways few other things have. Coming up with weird horrific monsters to throw at the party is a lot of fun, even though I’m quietly cheering for the group to defeat the things in some clever way.
Wow! He got me with mentioning ‘Led Zeppelin concert’.. just when you couldn’t love him more 🌟
Except for the fact that he says "play Free Bird" which isn't a Led Zeppelin song lol
My favorite author and my favorite late night show host. My 2 favorite Stephens in the same room. I just can't take it
Im on Chapter 3 of Billy Summer and i can already say this is one of those books that you don’t want to end Stephen King is a genius when it comes to characters and there relationships plus worldbuilding amazing 🌟
What is world building
Stand By Me has to be one of the best Stephen King adaptations.
Shawshank.
Cat's Eye lol jk
Is that the movie 🎥?
@@reneeschwider6136 yep, adapted from The Body, one of his novellas.
Shawshank has got to be the best. It was a forgettable read, and they took it and made one of the greatest films of all time,
So many of them are great. My personal favorite book is "''Salem's Lot" and my favorite short story is "Quitters Inc." which was in Night Shift.
I think Salem's Lot was his first book. Definitely my favourite of his.
Way too scary for me. I swore off of his books then and there!😄
@@RictusHolloweye I think it was Carrie. He'd been writing for a good while already, but not making a living. He, Tabitha and the kids were living in a trailer (I think) and he was teaching. The money didn't go far enough. He was going to throw Carrie away and Tabitha pulled it out of the trash. It was his first big hit with a publisher. He got a nice big check and he knew they weren't going to wonder where the next Wonder Bread was going to come from.
Quitters Inc is so good! Night Shift is great all around. My favorite is The Last Rung on the Ladder.
@@wandasetzer1469 - Ah, I think you're right.
I never considered myself a Stephen King fan. I knew I'd read some of his books and I always liked them, but he never came to my head when people ask me my favourite writer. A few weeks ago, my wife pointed out that I was reading "another Stephen King.." and I was confused why she pointed it out as it didn't seem that much. So I sat down and counted them out. I've read 41 Stephen King books in my life.. Turns out I am a much much bigger Stephen King fan than I thought.
My favorite book by Stephen King is Rose Madder, a story that describes domestic violence. As a matter of fact, that's the reason I became interested in reading more of his books!
That was a great book
@@willowbrooks agreed
After I read a book I get the audiobook.
The audiobook for Rose Madder is duel narrated in male & female depending if the chapter was on Rose or her husband.
King himself read the husband's chapters.
YES!!!! THANK YOU!!! Rose Madder will forever be my favourite book. It had me hooked from the very first page. Disturbed would be a better word, but it had my attention to say the least. You’re literally the only other person I’ve seen ever mention the book. Criminally underrated. The antagonist made me so beyond uncomfortable throughout the entire story. That book is also the reason I’ve gotten heavily invested in his other works 😂. Happened out of complete fluke too. I was at a freecycle at my local dump with free books to take, and I saw this all matte black book, with nothing but a shiny red rose on the front cover, and the title in glittery red writing along the side, with “STEPHEN KING” right above. I grabbed it on a whim, turns out it’s a first edition without its sleeve. That book got me through rehab and I’ll always love it.
@@daredevil595 oh god, I don’t even wanna hear Stephen king say some of the things said in that book by the husband 😂.
The Stand, Apt Pupil, Survivor Type, Night Shift, The Mist, Children of the Corn..... Always thought he was a master of the short story. Many of his novels are too, too long. The dude has been writing, prolifically, for 60 years! So much material to choose from.
Isn't The Stand a really long book?
I couldn't even say which of his novels,novellas/short stories would by my "top 5 King stories", because I enjoyed everything I've read from this guy, since I read "Salem's Lot" when I was 12 or 13 after my older sister told me, she wouldn't finish it as it scared her too much. I am 50yo now and I sincerely hope I will get to read at least a dozen more of his novels.
It's interesting how Stephen King is really perpetuating through generations
I just finished Salem, and I'm 16, I really hope he lives for a few more decades, I feel that his new books are as good as the old ones.
I forgot I read Salem's Lot. I'm glad that Hollywood gave The Mist the proper treatment. We needed good special effects to do justice to those interdimentional creatures.
Stephen is one of the greatest, i just read "Salem's Lot" which was published 22 years before i was born, that book creeped me out, i'm a full grown man now and that book made me feel PURE TERROR AND HOPELESSNESS, loved it, now i'm reading "The Shining".
He’s just brilliant. I love him.
Billy Summers reaffirms King’s continued excellence as a writer. He stills knows how to capture an audience and brings fictional characters alive, whether horror, fantasy, or grounded in reality. The ending was sad, but it brought a proper conclusion, and very timely for sure.
I just love Stephen King and his books!
The Stand is still my favorite King book.
The last rung on the ladder is literally the most touching, sad, relatable and simply my favorite short story of his.
"Survivor type" was absolutely disgustingly fantastic! Who the hell else can one come up with such a morbid story? I read it YEARS ago, and if I am not wrong, it ended with something like "chicken fingers". Gruesome and as with everything from Stephen King, he makes me believe in ANYTHING when my nose is in his books. Love this genius of a writer!
ladyfingers they taste just like ladyfingers
'Ladies' fingers', because he was a surgeon, in his earlier life the character did his utmost to protect his fingers, so they were like a woman's fingers when he came to eat them....
@@jimsbooksreadingandstuff "Lady fingers" is what he calls them. Lady fingers are a type of sponge cake "cookie."
If you think that's something, be on the lookout for MY book. "AISLES of Madness." An absolutely TERRIFYING journey into the bowels of hell and back. Due out NEXT Summer.
"Ladyfingers, they taste like ladyfingers." 🔪🖐😋😲
King's book "On Writing" is fabulous. Half autobiography, half writing guide. I'd highly recommend it.
ABC 123: I did and as a writer I consider it my handmaiden.
Omg I’m so excited he said “The Body” AKA Stand by Me!!❤️❤️ I think it’s my all time favorite and we teach it to our juniors in lit class. As a kid I fell in love with the movie and as an adult, seeing the book capture the imaginations and feelings of young readers is so wonderful to experience. He just gets it. What it is to grow up, to figure out yourself and your family and your friends. There is literally something for everyone. As a kid, Gordie was my favorite character bc I loved to read and was always kinda lost in my own thoughts. As an adult, reading the book, their are just so many layers to all the characters and they are so well developed. It’s so cool how the story resonates even more after growing up, and seeing the way kids connect it to their pwn lives is one of the best things a teacher can see. They actually enjoy reading it bc it’s honest and real in a way that captures what it means to be human. ❤️
I love Stephen. Hopefully he keeps writing 👍🏻
Survivor Type was my favorite short story!!! Read it many years ago and it blew me away